Free things to do this weekend, ft. Gorilla, Band on the Wall + PAPER Gallery

How are we all feeling after that Christmas and New Year blowout? Skint? Luckily for you we’ve rounded up the best events in Manchester that won’t cost you a thing, spanning the great things in life: live music, art and PARTYING.

Departure Lounge free party at Gorilla
It’s such a rarity for good clubbing to not cost a penny – let alone at one of Manchester’s finest venues – but this Saturday Gorilla opens its doors free of charge. Despite the strain left on your wallet post-Christmas, the folk at Gorilla are adamant that the party must continue and accordingly are laying on a night of deep house, tech and epicly free proportions with DJs Mike Lavercome, Sian Bennet, Flic The Switch, Mykel Haze, Piers Crozier, Horsey Brothers, JDA, Matt Cox and Laura Jackson. You’ll need to download a free ticket here, and this will only be valid until 11.45pm – after this entry chugs up to a whopping £10, so by blagging a freebie you’re saving yourself a pretty decent amount. Who said January had to be dull?
Sat 10 Dec, Gorilla, 54 – 56 Whitworth Street, M1 5WW, 11pm – 4am, FREE but tickets required, www.facebook.com

Acoustic Bhuna at Band on the Wall
Acoustic Bhuna is Band on the Wall’s monthly free showcase of local acoustic talent, and this Saturday’s bash features Manchester songwriter Songs for Walter, hailed by BBC 6 Music’s Tom Ravenscroft as one of his ‘favourite discoveries of the year’. Support comes ably from harpist and vocalist Quincey May Brown, local guitar tutor and virtuoso Noel Maher, plus singer Holly Quin Ankrah. As always, hungry bellies can get their feed with fresh curries, whilst sponsor Green Mill Brewery is on hand to supply cask ales aplenty.
Sat 10 Dec, Band on the Wall, From 7pm (Doors open 5pm), FREE, www.facebook.com

Intermission by Frances Disley at PAPER Gallery (pictured)
This Saturday PAPER opens its first exhibition of the year, presenting work from Liverpool-based artist Frances Disley. Disley was selected for the Exploring PAPER residency last summer, and this exhibition collates the work that took place during this time. The exhibition will feature a range of sculptures and digital prints, which combine to create an installation of vivid colour throughout the gallery that mirrors her belief that, if the studio is the rehearsal space for the works, then the gallery must be the theatre.
Sat 10 Jan – Sat 21 Feb (Private view Thu 15 Jan, 6 – 9pm), PAPER Gallery, 14-20 Mirabel Street, M3 1PJ, FREE, www.paper-gallery.co.uk

Know of any free events coming up? Email jess at manchesterwire dot co dot uk with the deets.